Inside The Spurs

Spurs Starter, Saturday, November 9, 2024: The San Antonio Injury Bug Is Real

Your daily briefing on what's going on with the San Antonio Spurs, including news, draft and more.

Mathey Gibson

Nov 7, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham (22) dribbles against Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Nov 7, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham (22) dribbles against Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images / Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
In this story:

Happy Saturday, Por Vida fans! Welcome to your morning Spurs Starter.

As the San Antonio Spurs prepare for Saturday's matchup against the Utah Jazz, they’re facing a growing list of injuries. The latest addition to the roster of sidelined players is Malaki Branham, who is now dealing with an ankle injury sustained during the Portland game.

Tre Jones is still out, and while Devin Vassell is expected to make his return, Jeremy Sochan will be out for an extended period due to a fractured thumb. To top it off, Gregg Popovich is still dealing with an undisclosed health issue.

Tough break for the Spurs, who could really use some relief.

San Antonio Spurs Injuries:

  • Tre Jones – Out (ankle)
  • Devin Vassell – Probable (foot)
  • Malaki Branham – Questionable (ankle)
  • Jeremy Sochan – Out (thumb)

With Mitch Johnson stepping in for Popovich, he certainly has his hands full—and I can’t say I envy him right now.

Now, let’s dive into the headlines.

THE NEWS

1. READ: WEMBANYAMA EXPRESSES OPTIMISM FOR QUICK POPOVICH RETURN

The San Antonio Spurs have been eagerly awaiting Gregg Popovich’s return after he stepped away due to a health issue. Could his comeback be just around the corner?

Read the full story at the link above.

2. READ: GRADING MITCH JOHNSON'S FILL-IN ROLE SO FAR

As the San Antonio Spurs await Gregg Popovich's return, how has his replacement fared?

Read the full story at the link above.

3. READ: VICTOR WEMBANYAMA'S UNEXPECTED SECOND-YEAR CHALLENGES

It hasn't been easy for the San Antonio Spurs' towering superstar in year two.

Read the full story at the link above.

TODAY'S SCHEDULE

  • Nov. 9 vs. Utah Jazz | FanDuel Sports Network, 4 p.m. Central.

MEDIA DAY, TRAINING CAMP

Now that the Media Day is over and the 2024-25 season is set to kick off, you can check out the stories surrounding the team as it gears up for the beginning of the regular season.

- The Ultimate Guide to Spurs Training Camp

- Everything Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich Said at Media Day

- Victor Wembanyama is 'Funnier' as Spurs Prepare for New Season

- Chris Paul and Gregg Popovich, Once Rivals, Now Set to Join Forces

- Wembanyama Adds 25 Pounds Ahead of His Second NBA Season

- Chris Paul Enters San Antonio as Polished Veteran, Mutual Choice

- Keldon Johnson Is Back For Year 6, and Feels Like the Old Man

- Wembanyama 'Working on Fundamentals' Ahead of Sophomore Year

- Victor Wembanyama, Chris Paul Share Comical Moment During Media Day

- Gregg Popovich Looking Forward To Season of Improvemen

- Castle Impresses Spurs Early with Versatility and 'Own Pace'

- Wembanyama Sets Next Big Goal: Elevating His Spurs Teammates

- Alpine F1 Team Announce New Era Clothing Collaboration

- Gregg Popovich Likes New, Improved Victor Wembanyama

- Is Stephon Castle's Jump Shot A Genuine Problem?


- Jeremy Sochan Ready to Thrive at 'Natural' Position

- Will Julian Champagnie Start In Place of Devin Vassell?

- Zach Collins 'Feeling Great' After Shoulder Surgery

- Harrison Barnes Speaks on Young Spurs' Winning Mentality

- Castle Speaks on Spurs' 'Aggressive' Defensive Mindset

- Keldon Johnson Focused on Getting Better, Sticking Around

- Champagnie's Approach to Begin New Season? 'Just Keep Shooting'

- How Can Sandro Mamukelashvili Earn Rotational Minutes?

THE FULL SCHEDULE

The San Antonio Spurs played their first game of the year on Oct. 25, kicking off the second season of Victor Wembanyama's young NBA career. Now that it's through, here's a preview of some upcoming dates and times (all in CST) throughout the season to watch for:

San Antonio Spurs Regular Season Schedule

Nov. 15: Group Play Begins vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Dec. 10: NBA Cup Knockout Rounds Begin
Dec. 25: MSG Christmas at New York Knicks

Dec. 31: New Year's vs. LA Clippers

Jan. 23-25: Paris Games vs. Indiana Pacers

Feb. 3: Rodeo Road Trip Begins at Memphis Grizzlies

Feb. 14-16: All-Star Break

Feb. 20: Spurs Get Moody vs. Phoenix Suns
Feb. 21: Spurs Get Moody vs. Detroit Pistons

March 21: Longest Home Stand Ends vs. Philadelphia 76ers

April 6: Final Road Trip Begins at Portland Trail Blazers
April 13: Final Home Game vs. Toronto Raptors

AROUND THE NBA

Catch up on some of the league-wide headlines below:

Also, be sure to follow along with Spurs On SI's NBA tracker, with more detailed breakdowns of major league news and updates.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“I want to become the first European floor leader to succeed in the NBA. I want to be the standard-bearer and prove we can succeed here.”

- Tony Parker

THIS DAY IN SPURS HISTORY

November 9, 2019:  Two days before his jersey was raised to the rafters as retired, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenburg proclaimed it “Tony Parker Day.”

THE CLOSER

Check out our home page for more news and be sure follow us on the platforms below. Thank you for tuning in, and enjoy the rest of your Saturday.

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Mathey Gibson
MATHEY GIBSON

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